Is Butter Coffee Worth It? Exploring Benefits and Risks
Should You Add Butter to Your Coffee?
Have you ever wondered why some people blend butter into their morning coffee? Some enthusiasts say it helps keep you full and boosts your energy and focus. While these benefits sound promising, the jury is still out, and more research is needed to truly understand the health effects of butter coffee.
What Is Butter Coffee?
Butter coffee is essentially regular brewed coffee mixed with unsalted butter and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). You might have heard of its cousin, Bulletproof coffee, which was popularized by Dave Asprey. However, butter coffee is a simpler, do-it-yourself version that doesn’t require exotic coffee beans or specialty oils. Many people on a ketogenic or high-fat, low-carb diet turn to this drink as a way to replace their breakfast.
How Do You Make It?
Making butter coffee at home is quite straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:
- Brew about 1 cup (8–12 ounces) of your favorite coffee.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil (a great source of MCTs).
- Include 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or try ghee if you prefer a dairy-friendly option.
- Blend all the ingredients for 20–30 seconds until your coffee turns frothy, resembling a latte.
Butter Coffee Nutrition at a Glance
A typical 8-ounce cup of butter coffee made with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and unsalted butter packs around 445 calories, 50 grams of fat (with nearly 85% being saturated fat), and a good dose of vitamin A. While some research points out that saturated fat might not directly lead to heart issues, many experts recommend swapping some saturated fats for polyunsaturated ones from sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
Butter Coffee Myths vs. Facts
Many coffee lovers claim that butter coffee offers prolonged energy, helps control hunger, and even sharpens your mind. The idea is that the fats—especially MCTs—slow digestion, providing a more stable caffeine release. For instance, some studies have shown that consuming MCTs may lead to feelings of fullness and minor weight loss when used as part of a reduced-calorie diet. However, besides a caffeine kick, there isn’t definitive proof that these fats enhance mental clarity any more than coffee alone.
Potential Downsides
It’s important to think of butter coffee as an occasional treat rather than a complete breakfast replacement. While it provides energy from fats, it lacks the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that you’d normally get from a balanced meal. Overloading on butter coffee might even lead to tummy troubles, like bloating or discomfort, especially if your body isn’t used to a high-fat intake. And remember, if you’re among those who are sensitive to dietary cholesterol, this drink might raise your cholesterol levels.
Keeping a Balanced Diet in Mind
If you decide to give butter coffee a try, balance is key. Consider making up for its lack of nutritional diversity in other meals by including more protein, fruits, and veggies throughout your day. If you’re not fully on board with a ketogenic lifestyle, you might opt to reduce fat intake at other meals to keep things balanced and focus on healthier fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and fish.
The Bottom Line
Butter coffee is an intriguing trend that blends regular coffee with the rich taste of butter and the quick energy boost of MCT oil. It might help with satiety and energy, especially if you’re following a keto diet, but it shouldn’t completely replace a nutritious breakfast. As with many health trends, it’s wise to enjoy butter coffee in moderation and keep an eye on your overall dietary balance. What’s your experience with alternative breakfast options?